# ranking

/ˈɹæŋkɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈæŋkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ranking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. position on a list

noun · CEFR B2

your position on a list that compares you to others based on quality or success.

For teachers: the relative position of an individual or entity within a hierarchical system, typically determined by performance or status.

- After winning the tournament, her world ranking rose to number five.
- The university's global ranking improved significantly following the publication of several high-impact research papers by its faculty.

### 2. the act of ordering

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of putting things in order from best to worst.

For teachers: the process of assigning a position to items in a list for comparison.

- The ranking of the best films of the year is always controversial.
- The committee's ranking of the candidates was based on a rigorous set of objective criteria designed to eliminate personal bias.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to describe the items being ordered.

### 3. senior or superior

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having a high or senior position in an organisation.

For teachers: holding a superior or senior position within a hierarchy; often used in military or political contexts.

- The ranking officer on the ship gave the order to change course.
- As the ranking member of the committee, she was responsible for overseeing the legislative agenda during the chairperson's absence.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The university improved its global ranking this year.
- After winning the tournament, the player climbed to the number one spot in the world ranking.
- The committee's controversial ranking of the candidates focused heavily on recent publications rather than long-term teaching experience, sparking a debate about institutional priorities.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.